NordicTrack RW900 Rower feature image

NordicTrack are well known for manufacturing high quality, commercial standard workout equipment and their new RW900 rower is one of their flagship home rowing machines.

However, with a premium price tag to match we thought we’d take it for a test in our comprehensive and impartial NordicTrack Rw900 rower review.

There is no getting away from the high(ish) price tag of the RW900 (although we can bag you a £400 saving so read on) and as with most things there are of course cheaper and more expensive alternatives.

It’s fair to say that the NordicTrack RW900 is very much pitched as a premium level rowing machine and it compares very favourably with even some of its more expensive rivals. Perhaps the standout feature of the RW900 when you first view it is the huge 22 inch capacitive touch screen and although this is impressive, there are other elements in terms of design and functionality that are equally pleasing.

We took the RW900 for a 30 day test… here’s what we found out – read all in this NordicTrack RW900 review…

Quick Verdict: NordicTrack RW900

Rw900 rower by NordicTrack
The RW900 is one of the nice rowers on the market. Having had a minor upgrade in 2022, the 22 inch touchscreen with its impressive sound system makes for a high tech, high intensity workout.

With the current discounts available it is well worth investing as this will see you good for years to come.

NordicTrack RW900 Specs

The RW900 is one of the highest spec’d home rowers we have tested. From the 22 inch touch screen display to the 26 levels of fluid resistance in addition to 10 levels of air resistance, a folding mechanism and tilting foot pads – it seems that NordicTrack have thought of everything when it comes to this premium home rower.

Measuring up at 218cm x 55cm x 125cm (L,W,H) when fully operational and just 113cm x 55cm x 73cm when folded, the RW900 takes up a similar floor space to most commercial rowers but has the added benefit of being easily storable thanks to its clever folding design. Quite often when we see folding exercise equipment it comes at a cost in terms of functionality or stability – there are no such issues here and in fact, we would go as far to say it is one of most well spec’d rowing machines we have seen.

Weighing in at 49kg, this is not a lightweight model, but the addition of transport wheels to the front of the unit make moving the rower in to a storage space easy enough. The maximum user weight of the RW900 is 130kg.

Almost everything on the RW900 is adjustable in some way. The large 22 inch screen can be tilted so no matter your height you will be able to see the impressive centre console. The seat is oversized and ergonomically designed and is actually comfortable (not just bearable) to sit on.

The foot pads are also adjustable so you can workout with the perfect push away angle. Everything else (with the exception of the manual air resistance) is controlled via the console and selecting the fluid resistance is done at the touch of a button and is all you will need to use once you have an appropriate level of air resistance set.

There is also a 12 month family membership of iFit Live that comes supplied as standard with this rower that gives you access to thousands of workouts as well as live sessions which is great for keeping motivated and connected to others when working out at home.

RW900 First Impressions

Whether or not you can describe rowing machines as sexy is perhaps a debate for another day – but if you can, then the Nordic Track RW900 would definitely be classed as incredibly good looking.

The monochrome design oozes elegance and sophistication and it is just as smooth on the inside as it is on the outside. Everything about the RW900 speaks of high build quality and excellent workmanship and it seems that NordicTrack have not skimped in any area – something that has set them apart from their competitors for decades.

From the handles to the flywheel and from the colour touch screen to the seat – everything is just as you would want it and it will be a welcome addition to any home gym setup.

Rowing is without a doubt one of the best all body workouts you can get when it comes to cardio and if you were to choose one piece of equipment for the home to help with cardio we would suggest you opt for a rowing machine. Thanks to the iFit subscription you will also be given hundreds of exercises that take this past the standard functionality of a rowing machine and you will find yourself performing ab rolls, bicep curls and more using the seat in ways you had never thought of.

The display is the showpiece of the RW900 and with the built in speakers it really does look and sound the part. Think Peloton for rowing machines and you are on the right tracks.

When it comes to first impressions, if you don’t fall in love at first sight then you must be dead from the neck down!

Using The RW900

The RW900 is easy to use and getting started is a cinch. If you are using i-Fit Live then once the initial setup and registration is complete, getting connected to the Wi-Fi and getting started each time is very easy. There are a limited number of rowing workouts at launch but we have it on good authority that these are going to be added to.

The steel frame and industrial grade ball bearings with the inertia powered flywheel provide a robust and smooth motion workout. This is an extremely well made piece of kit and it is backed by a 10 year frame warranty (2 year parts, 1 year labour) and with the track record of NordicTrack you just know it is going to last for years and years – unlike some of the budget competitive models.

The RW900 colour screen shows all of the data you need including total strokes, strokes per minute, total time, 500m split times, calories and distance. You can easily select a pre-set program or manually select the difficulty level using the fluid resistance. The RW900 uses SMR technology which stands for silent magnetic resistance.

Unlike many rowing machines, this model from NordicTrack is extremely quiet thanks to the magnetic resistance. The SMR also produces a smooth and fluid motion and the handles are incredibly comfortable to the touch with a soft touch ergonomic design.

Whether you are looking to use the RW900 for fat burning cardio, high intensity workouts, improving strength or improving stamina – it is up to the task and does it in style.

One downside to this rower is that you will have to unplug the screen when putting the machine away as there is no power button to the screen. This is not a huge issue although some users have complained about this.

Our Verdict

The NordicTrack RW900 is an exceptional home rowing machine. In fact, it is more than that as it offers full body workouts with live support from actual trainers remotely. It is easy to set up, easy to use and easy to store and will go easy on your joints while providing you with a gruelling workout. No matter what your level of experience or your existing level of fitness, the RW900 is perfect for all thanks to its huge 26 (+10) levels of resistance.

If you are looking for a long lasting rowing machine that has all the bells and whistles of live workouts through a huge movable touch screen then this is for you. Be sure to claim your £400 saving using the link below.